The Leadership in Child Care Scholarship program provides financial assistance (tuition and selected fees) to qualified child care professionals working in the child care centers/programs and family and group homes to obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, Short-Term Certificate, Certificate, or Associate in Applied Science /Technology Degree in Child Development/Early Care and Education studies.

• Who can apply for the scholarship?
  • Center Directors and Owners
  • Exempt Church Center Directors
  • Family Child Care Providers (1 to 6 children)
  • Group Child Care Providers (7 to 12 children)
  • Group Child Care Provider Assistants
  • Teachers/Assistant Teachers
  • Instructional Assistants
• What are the requirements?
  • Resident of Alabama
  • Employed in licensed or exempt from licensure child care facility/setting in Alabama
  • Caring for pre-school children (birth to school age)
  • Caring for school-age children (5 through 12 years) in a school-age child care program
  • Minimum of 19 years of age
  • Have a High School diploma or GED
  • Seeking first Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
  • Seeking a certificate or degree in Child Development/Early Care and Education at a designated institution
  • May have obtained a two-year or four-year degree in a field other than Child Development/Early Care and Education (eligible for CDA scholarship only)
• Where can you apply?
  • To request an application by mail, call 334.293.4552
  • Download the Leadership in Child Care Application (PDF)

Alabama Pathways to Quality Care and Education (PDF)
Leadership in Child Care Eligibility Requirements (PDF)
Leadership in Child Care Application (PDF)
Leadership in Child Care Application-Athens (PDF)
Leadership in Child Care Application Packet (PDF)
Child Development/Early Care & Education Programs (PDF)
Leadership in Child Care Scholarship Brochure (PDF)